Learning Disabilities Major (for K-12 certification)

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

The learning disabilities major is designed to prepare individuals to teach students with learning disabilities at the elementary, intermediate or secondary levels. Graduates obtain general elementary or secondary teaching cerification along with a K-12 Learning Disabilities endorsement. Courses and field experience focus on the inclusion classroom environment as well as the "self-contained" special education setting. This program will produce educators who are knowledgeable and capable of instructing students with varying experiences, backgrounds and abilities.

What can I do with this major?

Some of the occupations associated with Special Education are:

Self-Contained Special Education Teacher

Inclusion Teacher

Special Education Resource Teacher

Teacher Consultant

Special Education Professor

Homebound Teacher

Lecturer

Curriculum Coordinator

Education Director

Tutor

Interesting classes I may take?

Courses offered at Cornerstone:

Introduction to Special Education and the Exceptional Learner

Emerging Educational Models in Special Education

Theories and Methods in Special Education

Assessment and Diagnosis for Learning Disabilities

Diverse Populations and Differentiated Instruction

Current Issues in Learning Disabilities Education

Severe Reading Problems

What internships or partnerships are available with this program?

The directed teaching experience will include opportunities in both general education and learning disabilities classrooms. During a 20-week field placement, student teachers will be responsible for the assessment, lesson planning and instruction of general education and special needs populations. Additional seminar classes provide time for learning, discussion and reflection during the student teaching internship.

What are Grads doing now?

There are numerous professional opportunities which our Learning Disabilities graduates have taken advantage of. We have many former students teaching in resource, inclusion or "pull out" programs across the state of Michigan as well as around the country. Other graduates have taken their knowledge and skills overseas. These graduates instruct teachers in foreign countries on the best practices for meeting the needs of students with learning deficits. Some of our students have assumed positions of leadership in private organizations which address special populations, while others have been hired to write and/or edit textbooks associated with varying aspects of the field of special education.

Thoughts from Cornerstone students:

The program is designed so that we feel comfortable, as future teachers, with assessing and teaching our students using a variety of methods. It also provides many opportunities to work directly with students during volunteer hours, practicums and student teaching.- Kimberly Dubink

I really like the Learning Disabilities program at Cornerstone. I appreciate the fact that many of the professors are still working in the field and have a lot of experience. I’ve also found, through experience with volunteering, that the curriculum covered is current and extremely applicable. The program is great, and I have confidence that I will be able to succeed in the future as a result of it.- Kristin Hopkins